Giants’ Wyke contributes speed to Team Toba

Darnell Wyke knows there are a lot of ways to contribute on the baseball diamond, and he’s hoping to do all he can for Team Manitoba at the Canada Games later this month.

"We set a high standard for ourselves and expect to do well," said Wyke, a 17-year-old outfielder with the U18 Elmwood Giants.

Wyke, who lives in East St. Paul, started playing baseball nine years ago.

"I just like how it’s kind of like an individual sport and a team sport at the same time," he said. "There are so many ways you can affect the game."

According to head coach Faron Asham, Wyke adds some"major league speed" to Team Toba.
"He’s one of our top roadrunners on the roster," Asham said. "We love the way he tracks the ball in the outfield. He’s definitely an asset, the way he can flat out outrun the balls."

"I’d say my strength is my athleticism and speed, and my defensive abilities," Wyke agreed. "I see myself kind of as a spark plug kind of player. Sometimes I’ll start, sometimes I’ll come off the bench late. I’ll do whatever I need to make some big plays to help the team."

While speed and defense may be Wyke’s strengths, Asham added they’ve been putting some time in to developing his offensive game as well.

"You can’t steal first base," Asham said. "We’ve got to make sure he gets on, make use of the small ball. We know he’ll do whatever he can to help the team."

Wyke said that the boys on Team Toba play well together, and they’ve developed a tight bond as they’ve prepared for the Canada Games with a variety of road games and tournaments in North Dakota and Minnesota.

"I would say we’re a pretty balanced team," Wyke said. "We don’t have any big standout guys but as a unit we’ll probably be the closest unit (at the Games)."

Asham said that while B.C., Ontario, and Quebec might be favourites at the Canada Games, he’s hoping the home-field advantage and playing to a local crowd will give Team Toba the boost it needs to play at the highest level.

"With a little luck and hard work, we’re hoping to get into that upper echelon," he said. "You only have to beat a team once, and we’re hoping to get that opportunity."

Manitoba takes on Nova Scotia on Sat., July 29 at 1 p.m. at the Elmwood Giants Field (480 Chalmers Ave.) in their first match of the Canada Games.

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